For cooking purposes, California garlic (the variety used to make braids), lasts about 9 months from the July/August harvest. Because of this, it is difficult to guarantee the freshness of our fresh garlic products between January and July each year. Therefore, we will not ship fresh garlic between February 1 and July 15, or until the new harvest. In addition, we will be unable to issue refunds on these products regardless of when they were purchased.

Shelf Life

One of the most common questions we receive concerns the shelf life of our products; with a few people (luckily, very few) thinking that shelf life and half-life* are synonymous. The answer for each category is different. Most spice companies (whose names we don't mention) advise replacing herbs and spices every few months as they tend to lose potency and freshness. In general, that's probably a good practice. Herbs & spices, unlike wine, do not improve with age. However, we have found that Garli Garni, stored properly, can easily last up to a year. What is properly, you ask? Store Garli Garni and all other seasonings in a cool, dry, dark place. If you have a small shaker, refill it from your big one."Wet" products, such as salsas, mustards, and dressings should be similarly stored until opened and then should always be refrigerated. These should be used within a couple of months but use your common sense. If it looks or smells like a science project, throw it out!Remember, food products began life as living plants or other organic substances and therefore are not candidates for life everlasting. Most of our users don't want us to use so many preservatives that our products outlive them!To enjoy the freshest, tastiest products, buy only what you can reasonably use in a few months. Never eat products that are off color, smell funny, or are in bulging or open containers. Store all products safely. No product should be stored where it is hot or in direct sunlight.*half-life: the time required for half the atoms of a radioactive substance to become disintegrated; usually thousands of years.

Wonderful garlic. I have not been able to find fresh garlic in Florida.
It is too hot and garlic comes from Mexico & China. Not to my liking.

Did you find this helpful?2 of 2Found HelpfulReviewed by: Carol from Ormond Beach, Florida.
- 10/15/2014

5/5

garlic braid

Great/Awesome/THE BEST

Did you find this helpful?Reviewed by: dan from CA.
- 7/16/2017

5/5

Fabulous garlic braid

Bought 3 braids, two as gifts. They are robust, full and beautiful. Won't hesitate to buy again .,

Did you find this helpful?Reviewed by: Karen from Belton TX.
- 11/30/2016

5/5

Great braids

I try to buy 1 braid every year. They last unlike garlic you buy in the store. Can't be without garlic in my recipes.

Did you find this helpful?Reviewed by: Karen from Sugar Camp, WI.
- 12/16/2014

5/5

Beautiful!!

Wonderfully fresh, plump, beautiful and sturdy. Would make an amazing hostess gift for the Holidays!!

Did you find this helpful?Reviewed by: Rita Podolak from Minneapolis.
- 11/11/2014

5/5

Nice!

I ordered the "medium" for both my brother-in-law and some friends who are serious cooking people. The garlic itself is beautiful and the braids look exactly as I expected from the picture. They should make 3 people very happy. The ventilation holes poked in the box did lead to a hesitant question at the Post Office.

Did you find this helpful?Reviewed by: Jacqui from West Texas.
- 11/10/2014

5/5

Garlic Braid

I am extremely happy with the medium garlic braid that I ordered. It is beautiful and perfect for the ornamental purpose that I wanted it for. I'd recommend highly! Thanks!